The Oakland Post by The Oakland Post

THE OAKLAND POST 29 February

OAKLAND UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER

2012

AWARENESS National Eating Disorders Awarness week comes to Oakland University PAGES 11 & 12

DEDICATION Provost does research with students PAGE 17

DEFEAT

Men’s hockey wins Good Luck Duck trophy PAGE 12

STUDENTS PERFORM IN STRINGS RECITAL PAGE 18

thisweek

ontheweb Interested in finding out the results from the election? See the update-to-date results on our website. www.oaklandpostonline.com

Fe b ru a r y 2 9 , 2 01 2 / / Vo l u m e 3 8 . I s s u e 2 4

POLL OF THE WEEK How long does it take for you to commute to school? A

Less than 30 minutes

30 minutes or less

30 minutes to one hour

1 hour or more

Vote at www.oaklandpostonline.com

LAST WEEK’S POLL What are you doing for Spring Break? A) Vacationing 10 votes | 13% B) Sleeping 18 votes | 24%

PHOTO OF THE WEEK LOVE YOUR BODY // Students and community members participate in a beginning-level yoga class taught by Rec Center instructors Tony Bittick and Jill Dunphey. The class was part of the National Eating Disorders Week events and featured a performance by musician Curtis Godzisz. Watch the video at bit.ly/zYQjNE Tweet us your photos @theoaklandpost for your chance to be featured as next week’s photo of the week.

C) Homework 14 votes | 18% D) What’s a break? 34 votes | 45%

Chelsea Bistue // The Oakland Post

Submit a photo to photos@oaklandpostonline.com for a chance to be featured. View all submissions at oaklandpostonline.com

CAMPUS

6. Parking still remains a prominent issue on the university’s campus, with violations ranging from parking illegally in handicap spots to parking in the new “Permit Parking Only” spots in P2.

LOCAL

15. With increases in poverty, a Pontiac human service center helps those in need by providing food, clothing, empowerment and educational services to both youth and adults in the community.

BY THE NUMBERS

80%

amount of university funding that comes from tuition

SPORTS

13. The new golf team coach hired earlier this year wants to use his past personal career accomplishments to help both the men’s and women’s team rise to the top of the Summit League.

LIFE

19. One dance professor has been sharing her passion for the activity with her students. She is always searching for inspiration in order to create moving performances for herself and her audiences.

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY FEBRUARY 28, 1964 Meadow Brook Music Festival received a grant of $76,000 in memory of the late Howard Baldwin by the S.S. Kresge Foundation. The new venue would see 2,000 people. FEBRUARY 26, 1979 OU increased patrols in Van Wagoner after a fourth fire on the sixth floor. The fires were all believed to be arsons, causing the university to propose a new nightwatch system. FEBRUARY 25, 1980 The Music Department was officially transferred from the College of Arts and Sciences to the School of Performing Arts. Dance was the only department within the School of Performing Arts, while theatre was expected to be moved within the next year.

$9,938 54% $199,357,609 cost of first year indistrict tuition (full time)

amount of OU’s funding that came from tuition in 2002

total OU budget for 2012 fiscal year

increase in institutional financial aid for the 2011 – 2012 school year.

Perspectives STAFF EDITORIAL

Free speech is not the issue, reporting accurately is

s journalism students, we are taught the importance of remaining objective in every one of our classes. However, it is hard to remain objective when we see so many professional journalists butchering a story about our university. A 56-year-old non-traditional student at Oakland University is currently fighting a three-semester suspension for violating ordinance 6.02, unlawful individual activities, of the University Ordinances and Regulations handbook. Instead of reporting accurately and getting a balanced account of the situation, most of the reporters got many of the facts wrong. The student made his rounds to various media outlets — both local and some national — telling his one-sided account. Unfortunately, OU cannot speak on the matter because if they do, the student is threatening to sue over Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act violations. However, there are many professors and students involved in the situation who have made it clear they would have been more than willing to share their side of the story. They comment in Corrections Corner The Oakland Post corrects all errors of fact. If you know of an error, please email editor@oaklandpostonline.com or call 248.370.2537. You can also write us at 61 Oakland Center Rochester, MI 48309. — In the perspective “Your Voice. Heard. (Period),” we incorrectly stated Benjamin Eveslage is the student body vice president. He is the student body president. Letters to the Editor Writers must provide full name, class rank, phone number and field of study. Please limit letters to 250 words or less. Letters may be edited for content, length and grammar.

February 15, 2012 // The Oakland Post

While we are all for freedom of speech and student rights, those rights were not violated. forums and on our website — anywhere they could make their voice heard. As subscribers to Google Alerts, we saw almost every story pertaining to this instance and were baffled at the faulty news coverage. Many organizations reported that the student was suspended for sexual harassment, which isn’t true. It was for violating the ordinance listed above. Mary Beth Snyder, vice president of student affairs, and enrollment management wrote the student a letter dated Dec. 7, 2011 regarding numerous listed instances of inappropriate behavior. The letter, which asks the student to withdrawal from winter 2012 classes, said “the university began receiving complaints that your behavior was perceived by female members of the campus community as intimidating and/or threatening.” Behaviors listed include a late night phone to a female

student who never gave out her phone number, unsolicited stories of a sexual nature sent to a female faculty member who the student invited to meet with off campus and an incident involving The Oakland Post and a past editor-in-chief. The student was not suspended for voicing that he found his professor attractive. He was suspended for his “threatening” behavior around campus. While we are all for freedom of speech and student rights, those rights were not violated. It is unfortunate when OU is put under the spotlight under such negative circumstances. If anything, journalists can use this as a life lesson: Do not wait for things to happen. Pay more attention to what you are doing. Do not push your limits. Be more careful. Spend more time researching and ask questions. And always, always make sure you’re covering both sides of the story.

The staff editorial is written weekly by members of The Oakland Post’s editorial board.

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THE OAKLAND POST Address 61 Oakland Center, Rochester, MI 48309 Phone 248.370.2537 or 248.370.4268 Web www.oaklandpostonline.com Email editor@oaklandpostonline.com

editorial board Nichole Seguin

Editor-in-Chief editor@oaklandpostonline.com 248-370-4268

Megan Semeraz

Managing Editor managing@oaklandpostonline.com 248-370-2537

sections

art & media

Steph Preweda Campus Editor campus@oaklandpostonline.com

Cayce Karpinski New Media Editor web@oaklandpostonline.com

Jordan Gonzalez Asst. Campus Editor campus@oaklandpostonline.com

Rifath Hoque Graphic Designer

Kevin Romanchik Sports Editor sports@oaklandpostonline.com

Chelsea Bistue Photo Editor photos@oaklandpostonline.com Shannon Coughlin Photographer Lex Lee Photographer Stephanie Sokol Photo Intern

Ali Armstrong Local Editor local@oaklandpostonline.com Clare La Torre Life Editor life@oaklandpostonline.com

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Jordan Reed Multimedia Editor Ashley Allison Multimedia Reporter Brian Figurski Multimedia Reporter

reporters Sarah Hunton Senior Reporter Chris Lauritsen Senior Reporter Tim Pontzer Senior Reporter Emma Claucherty Staff Reporter Damien Dennis Staff Reporter Kevin Graham Staff Reporter Bryan Everson Staff Reporter Sarah Blanchette Staff Intern Tiffany Jones Staff Intern Misha Mayhand Staff Intern Mark McMillan Staff Intern Natalie Popovski Staff Intern Rosie Stricker Staff Intern

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Perspectives

The views expressed in Perspectives do not necessarily represent those of The Oakland Post.

COLUMN

Graduating in 4 years can pay off big Oakland’s ‘Focus on the Finish Line’ tools offer students roadmap to graduation

raduating in four years is not only achievable, but offers students a tremendous opportunity to benefit financially and have a competitive edge when entering the workforce. With more than 50 percent of colMARY BETH lege students nationally taking an avSNYDER erage of six years to graduate with an guest columnist undergraduate degree, those students who graduate in four years can avoid additional tuition costs and get a jump-start on their professional career. The bottom line is the sooner a student enters the professional workforce, the sooner he or she will start earning a salary. Employers who hire new college graduates continue to expect students to achieve their degree in four years and view this as a reflection of a student’s ability to effectively plan their academic path. It is important for students to understand that they can graduate in four years and should set this goal early in their academic career.

To help Oakland University students explore, develop and plan their path from student to professional — and graduate in four years — the Advising Resource Center and Career Services now offer the tools to guide students through this process. The “Focus on the Finish Line” website, developed with input from students, employers, faculty and staff, can be found on the OU Career Cycle website and provides a year-by-year guide to helping students prepare for graduation and employment after college. Graduation is the “finish line” for undergraduates and the website allows students to personally track their academic and professional progress to achieve this goal. Navigating from student to professional requires students to commit to taking responsibility for their own success and staying on track. OU expects students to graduate in an expeditious manner and has developed the tools to help students achieve expectations during each year of their college experience — putting them on the path to long-term professional success.

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“Employers who hire new college graduates continue to expect students to achieve their degree in four years and view this as a reflection of a student’s ability to effectively plan their academic path. ” Like any race, acquiring a college degree can have its hurdles. Focusing on crossing the finish line can help students plan their path every step of the way and help overcome any unexpected hurdles. After all, the finish line may be closer and easier to reach than students expect. Students can visit the Advising Resource Center and Career Services in North Foundation Hall on campus. Mary Beth Snyder is vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at OU. Email her at mbsnyder@oakland.edu

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Perspectives

The views expressed in Perspectives do not necessarily represent those of The Oakland Post.

EDITORIAL

Thankful to now be a Golden Grizzly L ast December, Oakland University woman a soda retrieved from her bag as was ranked by stateuniversity.com another student asked her if she’s injured or as the second safest four-year unineeds anything — to which she replied “a cold versity in Michigan. The rating took into towel.” account assault, burglary, rape, arson and After applying the paper towel to the back vehicle theft. However, there was an aspect of her neck and slowly drinking the soda, our of campus safety that wasn’t addressed — classmate informed us that she hadn’t eaten MARK emergency medical situations. MCMILLIAN much that morning and was standing to leave Last week, during what was a normal the room when she fell. staff intern midterm review, a female student behind Fortunately, a nursing student had reme collapsed. mained in the room and recognized signs of After hearing a commotion, I turned around just hypoglycemia (insufficient levels of glucose to the in time to see her head narrowly miss a desk as she brain). She offered our classmate a brownie. With fell unconscious to the floor. small bites of brownie and sips of soda, our classImmediately, the professor recognized an mate instantly began looking and sounding better. emergency situation and asked a student to call for It was at that time OU’s emergency medical team assistance. The student, instead of calling 911, called arrived — taking them less than three minutes to get the OU emergency line (248-370-3331), which was to our classroom. admirably saved in his phone. The medical team immediately dismissed the rest As this was being done, other students cleared of the students before they focused on our stricken away the desks from around our fallen classmate. classmate. The professor then asked a student to bring a wet Once in the hall, some of the remaining students paper towel from the restrooms before temporardiscussed the unexpected turn the review had taken. ily dismissing class. Most students left, but many Concerned over their classmate, the conversation remained behind, ready to offer further assistance. became about how this could happen to anyone. Our professor, without delay, offered the young Through this experience I learned that hypogly-

cemia should be taken seriously. In addition to rendering someone unconscious it can also, in rare cases, even result in brain damage or death. I also took away a sense of safety and through that safety, pride. It took less than three minutes for medical professionals to arrive and during that short time, my professor and classmates behaved marvelously. Our fellow student had fallen and they treated her with the utmost respect, caring and consideration. No one made light of the situation and no one made the situation worse. We were fortunate that we had a student in class with the emergency number programmed into his phone and also that we had a nursing student who is training to deal with situations just like that. I am a transfer student. This is my first semester at OU and this was my initial taste of how students are treated in an emergency situation, not only by the professor and the medical staff, but also by fellow students. I think most of us, through either first or second hand experience, can relate to being in a high stress, emergency situation. To see how quick and considerate my classmates were, it makes me more than happy, it makes me proud.

report/act behind cam v oakland.edu/out

oaklandsvp@gmail.com www.oaklandpostonline.com

3/31/2012

The Oakland Post // February 29, 2012

Campus

Parking citations remain high Crafty student parking incurs unwanted fines,violations By Misha Mayhand Staff Intern

eep into the winter semester, the issue of parking is still rearing it’s rowdy head. Last semester, 1,131 citation violations were issued and just last month, a total of 506 citations were issued thus far, according to information obtained from the Oakland University Police Department. Although some have declared the parking problem to be nonexistent, many students disagree. “We might as well have parking passes like the other colleges,” Mike Vartanian, communication major, said. “I always get a spot, but last year I had a hard time parking near Varner Hall, so I had to use the parking structure across the street.” Parking is not the only issue for some people. Junior Corinna Muntean thinks there is both a parking problem and a walking problem. “Some practical solutions would be walking, carpooling, parking in the parking structure near Pawley Hall, and using the Bear Bus and Bike Share Program,” Muntean said.

LEX LEE/ The Oakland Post

Last semester, 1,131 citation violations were issued. Of those, 49 violations were due to illegal parking in a handicap spot, which costs $50 per parking ticket.

BY THE NUMBERS 6

number of fire lane violations

February 29, 2012 // The Oakland Post

number of’ ”permit parking only” violations

OUPD speaks out Sam Lucido, chief of police, said the problem is worse at the beginning of the semester. “The first three weeks of school are typically the worst, after that, students pretty much know what to expect,” Lucido said. To help alleviate the walk from parking in one of the further lots, OU Student Congress created the Bear Bus program, which has stops in front of various buildings on and off campus. According to Lucido, OUPD has also made efforts to help students. “We’ve called the radio stations and the Vice President’s office and told them if students can’t find parking to call the police station, and we will gladly direct them to spots that are available,” he said. Lucido said OUPD does give out tickets, but only in extreme cases. “My primary focus is on parking violations, they bother me the most,” he said. “If we don’t enforce that, then someone is

number of time limit violations

going to park next to them and eventually the lane would become so narrow that you wouldn’t be able to get a fire truck through,” Lucido said. “These things concern me.” Another parking violation that concerns OUPD is handicap parking violations. According to documents from OUPD, there were a total of seven citations given out during the month of January. There is a $50 parking fee for illegally parking in a handicapped space, according to OUPD, and a $20 charge for all other parking violations. If a person is a repeat offender, OUPD could issue a State of Michigan ticket, which could cost upward of $150.

Fewer anticipated problems John Beaghan, vice president of finance and administration, said the construction near P1 will be completed in July and ready for classes this fall. The P3 lot will also reopen with the completion of the Human Health Building. Recently, approximately eight metered spots in P2 were converted to “permit parking only” spots due to an increased need for visitor parking. According to Beaghan, permit parking is managed by OUPD and is only provided if an appropriate business purpose is conducted, for example, potential employers visiting Career Services. There were a total of 62 citations given out for “permit parking only” violations in the fall and 12 given out in January, according to OUPD. Beaghan said parking will not be an issue upon the completion of the Human Health Building because the facility will house mainly students for the School of Nursing and School of Health Science. The William Beaumont School of Medicine students will primarily reside in O’Dowd Hall. “With P3 coming back online this fall, we don’t think (the building) will cause a major inconvenience,” Beaghan said. Contact staff intern Misha Mayhand via email at mmayhand@oakland.edu or follow her on Twitter at @Mac_Me_Over

348

number of prohibited parking violations

112

number of expired parking meters www.oaklandpostonline.com

Campus

Two teams, one university Vitality gets ready for several upcoming events

Retail Fraud at Pioneer Food Court increases

By Sarah Hunton Senior Reporter

he newest dance team at Oakland University, Vitality, is looking to gain recognition for the dance talents at beyond Oakland University’s campus. Founded in the summer of 2011, Vitality is separate from the dance team that performs at athletic games. The new group is a club sport open to men and women and holds tryouts in May. Although all members are expected to be trained in some form of dance, none of the current members are part of the dance program at OU. Dance styles within the group vary greatly. Group members are trained in everything from ballet to jazz. Members may also choose to develop a solo, duo, trio or group dance for shows or competitions. The club will take part in their first competition during the weekend of April 20 at the Starbound National Talent Competition in Waterford. They hope to compete more next season as well. In addition to the competition, the group will be hosting a show May 6 at Rochester Adams High School. The time is yet to be determined. Vitality captain Katie Bowe is particularly proud of the way the team works together and is able to develop its own routines. “My favorite part about being on the

Photo Courtesy of Vitality

Vitality prepares for their first competition that takes place during the weekend of April 20.

team is the friendships I have with all the girls, everyone gets along and works together wonderfully,” she said. Porzondek enjoys watching her students and team members progress. According to the coach of Vitality, Sara Porzondek, the fact that the organization is a club sport makes it easier for the participants to have such an active role in the choreographing process. “It’s a completely different world over in club sports. It’s really nice,” she said. Alexis Anne DeCapua is the current coach of the OU Athletic Dance Team and said that she’s worried that without witnessing what the two different groups

Macomb-OU INCubator to host series on entrepreneurs By Sarah Blanchette Staff Intern

acomb-OU INCubator is hosting a quarterly series of events to help students connect with entrepreneurs entitled “Fireside Growth Series.” The first of the series is March 7 at 5 p.m. at the INCubator, on 18 Mile road in the Velocity Building. The goal of the Macomb-OU INCubator is to support new businesses that deal with homeland security, advanced manufacturing, defense and technology sectors. These events are networking opportuwww.oaklandpostonline.com

POLICE FILES

nities for students who plan on pursuing a career in entrepreneurship. The speaker is serial entrepreneur and president of Avidasports, Bruce J. Burton. “Burtek has founded several companies. He was a perfect choice to speak to students,” Joan Carleton, marketing coordinator at Macomb-OU INCubator, said. Avidasports is a company that deals with the development of athletic telemetry, which allows coaches and athletes to communicate with one another during training. Before Burton began working with Avidasports, he founded Burtek, which is a defense and engineering contracting

do, members of the OU community will confuse the two teams. “The Vitality group has a different philosophy, style, and serves a completely different purpose than the official athletic dance team at OU,” DeCapua said. “I am thrilled that dance is popular within the university and wish the Vitality group the best of luck in their competitive endeavors.” For more information about organization, contact Sara Porzondek atoudanceteam@hotmail.com Contact senior reporter Sarah Hunton via email at sjhunton@oakland.edu company. Burton created a total of 500 jobs through Burtek, which led him to sell the company in 2008. From there, Burton founded MIlAIR, which is also a defense contracting company. “There is tremendous value for anyone in business to hear stories from successful entrepreneurs,” said Julie Gustafson, executive director of the Macomb-OU INCubator, in a press release by news at OU. “There is always a lesson to be learned, a pitfall to avoid, or a connection to be made.” The admission for the is free to students and the public. To register contact Joan Carleton at 586-884-9324 or email her at macinc@oakland.edu. Contact staff intern Sarah Blanchette via email at scblanch@oakland.edu or follow her on Twitter @S_Blanche

On Monday, Feb. 13, OUPD was sent to the Pioneer Food Court in the Oakland Center. Upon arrival, police met with a Chartwells employee who said she was told a male subject had stolen a Naked Juice. Police met with the male subject who stated that he had $10 for lunch for the week. The subject stated that he already spent $5 and thought about paying for the juice, but knew he would not have enough money. The subject said that he took the juice and walked out of the register area without paying for it. The subject was handcuffed and searched before being transported to the police station. The subject was given a citation for retail fraud and then released.

Marijuana use near Ann V. Nicholson apartments

On Wednesday, Feb. 15 at approximately 10:25 a.m., OUPD responded to a report of two females smoking marijuana in the parking lot of the Ann V. Nicholson apartments. Upon arrival, police noticed a vehicle in a parking space with the engine running. The female student in the driver seat rolled down the window and police could smell the odor of marijuana. Both female students stated that they were smoking marijuana. Police confiscated the paraphernalia and the marijuana. Both students received a citation for marijuana use.

Assault in parking lot

OUPD met with a male student who said that he had been assaulted in P1. On the morning of Friday, Feb. 17, the student said that he had an incident with the driver of another vehicle on his way to school. While driving, the student said he did not allow the suspect to pass him on the road and then was followed to campus. According to the student, the suspect asked him to step out of his vehicle. The student responded by rolling down his window, the conversation ended with the suspect reaching through the window and grabbing the student by his shirt collar.

Compiled by Natalie Popovski, Staff Intern The Oakland Post // February 29, 2012

Campus

OUSC budget similar to others In comparison with other universities, Oakland University breaks even By Kevin Graham Staff Reporter

akland University’s Student Programming Board spends it’s money planning student events. Student Congress also dedicates a portion of their budget to this purpose. Student Program Board chairman Jermaine Conaway explained the purpose of the arrangement. “I think you’ll see that the events that OUSC does do are more so informative events, awareness events,” Conaway said. “SPB does more entertainment and sort of a way to escape the stresses of school.” This practice is not uncommon at other universities around the state. Christopher Sligh, director of student activities and leadership programs at Western Michigan, describes a situation similar to that at OU. “(Western Student Association) does spend some money on programming, but does not spend any money in relation to entertainment.” He said that WSA is focused on educational, service and policy initiatives. Entertainment events are left to the Campus Activities Board.

Variety among universities According to financial documents from Saginaw Valley State, their student government spends as much as 31 percent on programming of campus activities and events for both entertainment and education purposes. At the low end of the spectrum, schools like Michigan Tech, University of Michigan Ann Arbor and Michigan State spend less than 10 percent of their budget on programming. Michael Carroll, treasurer at Northern Michigan University, said it’s student government doesn’t do any programming. Carroll did not report any financial information. “Most of our funds, however, go toward our basic office operations and maintenance and promotion of implemented services,” he said. “Programming at NMU

THIS WEEK AROUND CAMPUS

“We actually do have funds available within the organization to pay for buses for events that come up. ” Ben Eveslage, Student Body President is done by student organizations.” Although specific programming numbers were not available, Grand Valley State budgets $1 million to its student life fund which is doled out by its student government. Twelve councils split $776,000 of that money in order to plan activities and events for the members of their Council. Hybrid models are also possible. Samantha Artley, Michigan State Associated Students director of media relations, said the student government could contribute depending on the size of the event being planned, although the practice isn’t frequent. OUSC spent just over 16 percent of their budget on programming related expenses, according to fall 2011 expense report numbers — placing them in the median area based upon numbers received from other universities.

Congress creates flexibility OUSC Vice President Elisa Malile said she feels the organization exhibits great flexibility in their funding of programming. “I think we are being fiscally responsible because then we would be wasting money that would just be sitting in the budget when we have other great enriching opportunities to use the money,” Malile said. OUSC has been able to free up money for upcoming events, like the 2012 Oakland Woman’s Symposium, by diverting money from canceled January and February events, as well as axing Grizz Gang and athletics promotion. Student Body President Benjamin Eveslage was quick to point out that these cuts would not have an adverse ef-

fect should the basketball team make the NCAA tournament. “We actually do have funds available within the organization to pay for buses for events that come up,” he said. Malile said reaching out to student organizations has helped. “Part of our platform when we ran was that we would work with other student organizations,” she said. “We want them to be part of our events and cosponsor with us.” In addition to providing monetary support, she said partnering with other organizations has brought in more students to events and provided reach OUSC doesn’t have. Financial affairs director Michael Allison downplayed budget concerns. “You can sit there and play what ifs all day, but at the end of the day we have the money available if we need it,” he said. Contact staff reporter Kevin Graham via email at kpgraham@oakland.edu or follow him on Twitter @KevinGraham88

MORE INFO THE HIGHEST: Saginaw Valley State. Their student government spends as much as 31 percent on programming of campus activities and events for both entertainment and education purposes. THE LOWEST: Michigan Tech, the University of Michigan and Michigan State all spend less than 10 percent of their budget on programming. Michigan State collaborates with student organizations on occasion. WHERE OAKLAND STANDS: OUSC spent around 16 percent of their budget on programming related expenses. Current administration has made several cutbacks.

CAMPUS BRIEFS Heavy metal in the Middle Easy: Iraq ‘n’ Roll comes to Oakland

Oakland University Student Congress will be hosting an event commemorating the trials and success of a heavymetal band from Baghdad, Iraq called Acrassicauda. They became refugees in Syria and fled to the U.S. in 2009 in order to avoid being persecuted by the Iraqi government. The banmates will be showing their documentary, “Heavy Metal in Baghdad”. The event will take place on March 1 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Gold Rooms.

Catalyst leadership lecture

The Leadership and Volunteer Center will be hosting an event entitled “Catalyst,” which will inform students on how to lead their own ideas and organizations. In addition, students will be meeting with fellow colleagues to form relationships that will assist in their goals of becoming a strong leader. The event will take place in the Oakland Room in the Oakland Center at 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on March 3. To RSVP, log on to GrizzOrgs.

National book award finalist to visit Oakland University National book award finalist, Joe Bonnie, is coming to OU on March 8 to discuss her recent novel of short stories

Entrepreneur guest lecturer

Society Of Physician Entrepreneurs will be hosting guest speaker Peter Sinclair from the Climate Reality Project in the Fireside Lounge on March 13 from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. for a conference that will discuss the science of climate change. Compiled by Sarah Blanchette, Staff Intern

MARCH 1

MARCH 2

MARCH 3

MARCH 4

MARCH 5

MARCH 6

MARCH 7

7 p.m. 156 North Foundation Hall: Film China Blue

12 p.m. Idealizing the Imaginary: Illusion and Invention in Contemporary Painting. Located in 208 Wilson Hall

9 a.m. Crash Course on Courts: Law School for Journalists, located Lake Michigan Room, Oakland Center

11 a.m. Study Abroad Info meeting: 156 North Foundation Hall

12 p.m. Idealizing the Imaginary: Illusion and Invention in Contemporary Painting. Located in 208 Wilson Hall

10 a.m. Senior day and Graduation fair: Barnes & Noble book store

7:30 p.m. Bible study: Cafe O’Bears

12 p.m. 121 North Foundation Hall: Career Expedition

February 29, 2012 // The Oakland Post

12 p.m. PNC Scholar Case Competition: 237 Elliott Hall

5 p.m. Meadow Brook music society: Meadow Brook Hall

5 p.m. OU Student Congress elections declaration day

5 p.m. Graduation Open House: Oakland Center, Banquet Rooms

www.oaklandpostonline.com

Campus

OU given solid grade for drug safety OUPD confirms statistics of low-drug activity among students By Jennifer Holychuk OU News Bureau

akland University received a good grade for drug safety from Collegeprowler.com and has fewer drug arrests than some other state universities. Some students, however, say that drugs on campus are more prevalent than the statistics show. CollegeProwler, a website dedicated to rating various aspects of universities across the nation, gave Oakland University a B+ for drug safety. According to the site, this grade comes from “student ratings of the prevalence and importance of drugs and social drinking on campus” as well as “peer pressure to use drugs and alcohol.” The anonymous student author of OU’s drug safety section

described drugs as a very small part of campus life. “There is very little drug activity on campus,” she said on the site. “Drugs on campus are barely noticeable, and very few students take part.” Some students, however, feel that drugs are very common on campus — especially marijuana. Sophomore Kaitlyn Nanez, a social work major, said she has been offered marijuana at OU “multiple times.” Sophomore Amber Griffin agreed. She is a criminal justice major and said she has been offered marijuana at Oakland “a lot.” “I know a lot of students here who smoke,” she said. “I’d give OU a C-.” “Yesterday, as a matter of fact,” she added. Despite the experiences of some students, OU has had very

few on-campus drug arrests compared with some other state universities. According to the Oakland University Police Department’s Annual Safety and Security Report, there have been total of 10 drugrelated arrests in 2009 and 2010 — about five arrests per 10,000 students. The University of Michigan had 28 drug-related arrests per 10,000 students for 2009 and 2010 — more than five times that of OU. In fact, OU has the lowest number of drug-related arrests for its student population compared with Michigan State University, U-M, Eastern Michigan University, Central Michigan University and Grand Valley State University. Captain Mark Gordon of the OU Police Department said that there are a few reasons for OU’s

low number of drug arrests. “I think the fact that Oakland is primarily a commuter school does have some bearing on our low drug-related arrests,” he explained. “However, I also feel there is a great relationship between housing staff and housing students.”

“Oakland takes a very proactive approach to drug enforcement and education. I believe this has an impact an drug issues on campus.” Mark Gordon, OUPD Captain Despite this, College Prowler lists Adderall, OxyContin and Vicodin as the most popular drugs at OU. “The list of most popular drugs

was created by our student author, who used both student survey responses and personal experience to create the list,” explained Amy Campbell, College Prowler’s managing editor. According to Griffin, prescription drugs such as those listed on College Prowler and even some harder drugs are used by OU students. However, many students do not share Griffin’s experience and see OU as a relatively drug-free environment. Gordon said that the drug use is taken seriously and explained that the OUPD also offers community education programs to raise awareness of the dangers of drug use. “Oakland takes a very proactive approach to drug enforcement and education,” he said. “I believe this has had an impact on drug issues on campus.”

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Engineering, Technology and Healthcare Event Friday, March 9, 2012 Hear from companies like Compuware, Quicken Loans and the Detroit Medical Center. Learn about opportunities that make Detroit a great place for young professionals. Tour the downtown area and network with employers who are hiring college graduates now. Registration Fee: $10 before 2/29 or $15 after Bus transportation included with registration. Sponsored by Quicken Loans and Compuware For more info, scan the QR code below or visit mitalent.org/LiveWorkDetroit

www.oaklandpostonline.com

The Oakland Post // February 29, 2012

Battling an eating disorder By Nichole Seguin // Editor-in-Chief Photo by Shannon Coughlin Designed by Rifath Hoque

or one week every year, eating disorders are brought under the spotlight. This year, that spotlight will shine on Oakland University, as it takes center stage during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. From Feb. 26 through March 3, the topic will be discussed through various events on campus including “Love Your Body Yoga,“ “Bye Bye Barbie: Fighting Media Messages,” “America the Beautiful: The Thin Commandments,” “Body Monologues,” eating disorder screenings and a jean-collecting program. Suffering through it Ashley Bilkie who works in business development at Bischer Technologies in Ann Arbor, is recovering from anorexia. She has been recovering from the disorder for 14 years. “It wasn’t until 2007 that I sought out to help, because at that point, I had never heard of eating disorders,” she said. “I didn’t really know what was going on. Once I figured it out, I was embarrassed and ashamed and I didn’t know where to look for help.” Bilkie said there are not any higher-level

February 29, 2012 // Center Feature

inpatient treatment facilities in Michigan, so she had to move to Wisconsin after struggling through outpatient treatments for a few years. “I was going into a new situation ... I was scared,” she said. “I was also eight hours from home.” Bilkie came out of recovery in November 2011. She said her mentality in post-treatment has been transformed. “I actually could think for once,” she said. “I wasn’t all consumed with eating disorder thoughts. I was able to remember things. It scared me because when I came back and I tried to look back on the summer of 2011, I couldn’t remember anything I had done. I know I was living, I was driving, I was working … it was really scary to figure out.” Although Bilkie says the process to recovery is hard, she wants people to know it is possible. “It’s a fight … it’s a personal hell,” she said. “It’s a horrible fight to have but it is possible to see the light at the end of the tunnel. A lot of times, people are ashamed so they don’t come forward and they don’t seek help, but it’s nothing to be ashamed about.”

Bilkie said her support team is what has kept her focused during her recovery, which is an ongoing process. “I am still working towards recovery, but I have had a great support team,” she said. “I can’t tell you the difference they have made in my life.” Bilkie will be at the events this week. On a national scale The National Eating Disorder website says there are three types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. In the U.S., as many as 10 million females and one million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder and millions more struggle with a binge eating disorder, according to the site. Bethany Helfman, a psychologist at Helfman and Associates in Bloomfield Hills, has been working with eating disorders for the past 10 years. For her, watching the suffering of a loved one was her main motivation for getting involved with the treatment of the disorder. She said the first step in the recovery procwww.oaklandpostonline.com

r ess is identification, and individuals who are identified earlier on in their eating disorders have a higher chance for a positive outcome. “Being in treatment, I think sometimes people think there is a shame involved in it,” she said. “It’s helpful to be able to reach out for treatment, which is oftentimes really important in working with eating disorders because they’re all so encompassing ... they affect all parts of a person — socially, emotionally and physically.” Helfman also said having a team is important to the recovery process. “We like to have psychologists for eating disorders and co-occurring disorders like anxiety, depression and personality disorders,” Helfman said. “We also like to work with a dietician because, depending on how far a person is in their eating disorder, it gets to the point where they can’t make simple decisions about their food. The dietician helps them learn about portion sizes and tries to help them get rid of some of their eating fears.” Bringing awareness to OU Helfman, along with the OU Counseling www.oaklandpostonline.com

Center, Graham Health Center, Campus Recreation, the School of Health Sciences and the department of communications and journalism, will be hosting a myriad of eating disorder awareness seminars throughout the week. The events, which range from documentaries to a jean donation program, are aimed at raising awareness of the disorders and reestablish positive body image. Julie Proctor, wellness coordinator at Graham Health Center, helped put the event together. She said the events are beneficial to any student because they are at the age where trying to fit in is important and some may start to view their bodies differently. “There are so many different types of people they meet. They start to form misconnections in the brain that may lead them to change the food they eat and down the road, lose weight and not be connected to their body and the food they’re eating,” she said. According to Proctor, 13 percent of the patients seen at Graham Health Center are there because of eating issues in combination with other concerns, which is different from a diagnosis of eating disorders. She

said the center refers out if they see patients with a full-blown eating disorder. Proctor said her niece also suffers from an eating disorder, which arose after a comment from her cheerleading coach. “She didn’t mean that she was fat or any of that, but she wasn’t the lightest girl in the group (to be a flyer),” she said. Proctor said the comment is what threw her niece into the disorder. “I think, from a normal every day person perspective, we have to be careful with our words and what we say to people,” she said. “That, and we have to accept our bodies where they’re at and appreciate the strength that our bodies hold and the strength that our bodies can take us and walk us around campus. We focus on the negative and not the positive. Everyone is different and we shouldn’t hold on to one image that the media tells us should be a good body. Everyone is beautiful and that’s what we have to embrace.” For more information on eating disorders, or to find a treatment facility, visit the Center for the Eating Disorders at www.center4ed.org Center Feature // February 29, 2012

Sports

MAR.

4 p.m. Men’s baseball @ Cincinnati 7 p.m. T & F / Notre Dame Invitational

MAR.

3:30 p.m. Women’s basketball vs. UMKC All Day Women’s golf @ Northern Arizona

MAR.

Plucking the duck

1 p.m. Men’s baseball @ Cincinnati 7 p.m. Men’s basketball vs. Southern Utah

GRIZZLIES BOX SCORES MEN’S BASKETBALL

84-74

@ SOUTH DAKOTA In the victory, Reggie Hamilton led all scorers with 31 points. Travis Bader finished with 21 points. Drew Valentine posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. NEXT GAME The Grizzlies will take on Southern Utah in the first round of the Summit League tournament on March 4 at 9:30 p.m. on Fox Sports Detroit.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

63-54

LEX LEE/The Oakland Post

Alex Hoffman’s goal late in the second period sealed the victory for the Golden Grizzlies who took a 3-2 series lead over rival Davenport.

The men’s hockey team defeats rival in final home game of the season, wins trophy on senior night By Damien Dennis Staff Reporter

he Oakland University hockey team defeated rival Davenport Panthers 3-2, in the Onyx Ice Arena on Friday, to claim the coveted Good Luck Duck trophy for the first time since the 2007 season. The 3-2 victory was the Grizzlies’ fifth and final game before the American Collegiate Hockey Association National Tournament later in the week. Heading into the game, Head Coach Jeremy Bachusz said that the Grizzlies needed to play their systems and not get rattled by pressure. “I think it’s real big,” Nick Tomczyk, assistant head coach, said. “Davenport has had the Duck the last four years and have won nationals each year. It is great to have the Duck heading into nationals with it.” MacDonald scored the second goal of the game late in the first period, with assists by defenseman Cody Farber and forward Anthony Colizza. “It felt great to win the duck for our

February 29, 2012 // The Oakland Post

team and a lot of our alumni who come to our games,” senior forward Jordan MacDonald said. An earlier goal by Brian Baker contributed to a 2-0 lead heading into the second period. Davenport’s Jeff Slusser scored their first of the night, placing the puck behind Grizzlies goalie, freshman Corey Hrischuk. Tomczyk said that momentum changed in Davenport’s favor in the second period. During an Oakland power play, Davenport defenseman Brock Carlston scored a shorthanded goal putting the puck past Hrischuk, to tie the game at 2. Directly following the goal, Davenport managed a breakaway which almost saw the Panthers score again until Hrischuk made the stop. “I think it’s a tough situation (for Hrischuk) to come in as a freshman,” MacDonald said. “He’s really improved.” Davenport defenseman Brock Carlston scored the team’s second short-

handed goal of the night, evening the score at 2-2 heading into the third period. Midway through the third, junior forward Alex Hoffman got an unassisted goal, allowing the Grizzlies to once again take the lead. This marked Hoffman’s 15th goal of the season and the Grizzlies game-winning play. Friday night was also senior night for the team. After the game, instead of celebrating with the Duck right away, the Grizzlies honored their seniors, who won not only their final home game for Oakland, but also the Good Luck Duck after four years. Oakland’s next game is Friday, March 2 at 11:30 a.m. in Strongville, Ohio. They will play Mercyhurst in the first round of the ACHA Tournament. The team believes they have momentum and luck on their side heading into the national tournament. “We’re definitely helped with momentum,” Tomczyk said. “We’ve got three practices before the game Friday, and we have to go in there and play our style of hockey.” Contact staff reporter Damien Dennis via email at djdennis@oakland.edu or follow him on Twitter @djdennisOU

@ UMKC The women fell in their season finale against the Kangaroos. Bethany Watterworth’s 17 points moved her past Jessica Pike to become ninth all-time in career points at OU. NEXT GAME The No. 6 seeded Grizzlies will have another shot against No. 3 seed UMKC in the first round of the Summit League Tournament on March 4 at 3:30 p.m. in Sioux Falls, S.D.

MEN’S BASEBALL

6-3

@ No. 24 LOUISVILLE Senior Aaron Cieslak scored the first home run of the season for the Golden Grizzlies (0-4) in the loss to Louisville. The Grizzlies held the Cardinals scoreless over the final six innings. NEXT GAME The Grizzlies will start a four-game series against Cincinnati at Marge Schott Stadium on Friday at 4 p.m.

WOMEN’S SOFTBALL

2-0

@ ST. PETER’S Leah DisCristofaro scored a walk-off, two-run home run in the bottom of the eight inning to give the Grizzlies the victory. NEXT GAME The Grizzlies return to the diamond on March 9 in a doubleheader against Southern Utah to open up Summit League play.

www.oaklandpostonline.com

Sports

JOSE JUAREZ/Oakland Athletics

LEFT Junior Alanna Gerber is one of the more decorated student athletes on the roster, holding the fifth spot for all-time career stroke average in school history. RIGHT Head Coach Russ Cunningham looks to guide both the men’s and women’s golf teams to their first ever Summit League title, as well as becoming one of the premier programs in the state.

Out of the sand and into the fairway New men’s and women’s golf head coach hopes to bring a brighter future By Timothy Pontzer Senior Reporter

ince joining Division I in 2001, the Oakland University golf program has never captured a conference championship. The women’s team has come close, being the runner-up five times, most recently in 2007. Meanwhile, the men have never finished higher than third in conference play. However, with a new leader at the helm of the program, Oakland is on the verge of changing its fortune. First-year head coach Russ Cunningham will take over both the men’s and women’s golf teams and seeks to help both squads finally climb to the top of the Summit League.

‘Feather in Oakland’s cap’ Cunningham, 40, accepted the head coaching job at Oakland in July 2011. He led both the men and women through the fall season in 2011, competing in events in Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio. Scott MacDonald, director of athletic communications at OU, said he was thrilled with the hire. “Coach Cunningham brings a wealth of playing experience,” MacDonald said. “For our coach to be named Michigan Golfer of the Decade, that is quite a feather in Oakland’s cap. If you look at our scores from the fall, www.oaklandpostonline.com

you will see an improvement in most of the player’s averages from the previous year. I expect more of the same in the spring and both teams to challenge for a title.” While in college, Cunningham competed for the Campbell University Camels, in Buies Creek, N.C. Cunningham led the Camels to back-to-back Big South championships in 1992-93. Cunningham was the 2009 West Michigan Amateur champion, captured the Michigan Mid-Am title three times, won the Michigan Publinx Match Play twice and has been named to the GAM Honor Roll eight times in the past 11 years. Such great individual success definitely translates to Cunningham’s role as a coach. His past accomplishments give him credence when trying to raise the Oakland banner to new heights. “The fact that I was a former student-athlete and the experience of playing and competing while also being successful is huge when connecting with players,” Cunningham said. “If you’ve never won, you don’t know what it feels like to be in that situation. I’ve been very fortunate.” Junior golfer Alanna Gerber agrees. Gerber, a two-time Academic AllSummit League selection, is fifth alltime in school history in career stroke average, and will be a key member of the women’s team this spring. “Having a coach with such great individual success is valuable because

he knows what it is like to be in the position to win,” Gerber said. “The experiences he shares about winning and losing are very important to myself and my teammates.”

Changing the culture Cunningham is striving to relay that winning mentality to the entire program. “I want to raise the expectation level here. In the past, the team would be okay shooting under 320 and consider that a great score,” Cunningham said. “Now the mindset is shooting under 300 and thinking that to be a great score.” That winning mindset goes handin-hand with the culture that Cunningham also wishes to bring. “Developing the culture here is one of my goals,” Cunningham said. “By creating a new culture and work ethic, I can help this program to develop graduates and champions.” One of the biggest aspects Cunningham considers essential to putting a winning stamp on Oakland is conditioning his players mentally. Recently, the coach had his players meet with a sports psychologist in order to become mentally prepared for the season ahead. Senior captain of the men’s team, Michael Coriasso, pointed this out about his new coach. Coriasso ranks third in school career stroke average and qualified for the 2011 U.S. Ama-

teur Championship. “He really emphasized the mental part of the game,” Coriasso said. “He has an influencing positive attitude.” Cunningham believes his new ‘mindset’ for the program will result in his players exhibiting confidence on the course. “No one has made a bogey this year,” Cunningham said. “Granted no one has made a birdie either, but everyone is even par. These players have just as much if not more talent than I ever had.”

A generous donation Already during Cunningham’s brief tenure, the golf program has made positive headlines while promoting the brand. OU recently received its largest donation in school history, $21 million, from benefactor Stephan Sharf. A third of that donation was set aside for the women’s golf team. Cunningham believes this particular donation is just one example of how Oakland is on its way to being one of the premier golf programs not only in the league, but also in the state. “The campus sells itself. We have the best 36-hole facility in the state when it comes to college golf courses,” Cunningham said. “Oakland is continuing to develop itself and stand out.” Overall, Cunningham calls this opportunity a ‘dream job’ he is fully committed to. With his guidance, the team hopes the Oakland golf program is bound for greener grasses ahead. Contact Timothy Pontzer via email at trpontze@oakland.edu and follow him on Twitter @timothy_pontzer The Oakland Post // February 29, 2012

Sports

THE SPORTING BLITZ Compiled by Timothy Pontzer, Senior Reporter

Hamilton passes 2,000 career points, sets league record In the final game of the season on Saturday, the Oakland men’s basketball team defeated South Dakota 84-77 to finish the regular season 17-14. Star senior guard Reggie Hamilton led all players with 31 points in the victory, and finished the regular season with 790 total points. That scoring total is currently first in Division I and set the Summit League single-season scoring record. The captain of the Golden Grizzlies also set school records in successful free-throws (216) and 30-point games (14).

For his accomplishments, Hamilton was named the Summit League Player of the Week. This is the seventh time that he has earned this honor in his career and fifth time this season. Hamilton is currently on a streak of six consecutive 30-point games, and has amassed 2,033 career points. The team is sharing in their star’s success, having won five straight conference games heading into the Summit League tournament. Oakland secured the third seed in the tournament and will face Southern Utah on March 4 at 9:30 p.m. in Sioux Falls, S.D. While the Grizzlies swept the Thunderbirds from Southern Utah this season, both games were decided by single digits. The game will be carried on Fox Sports Detroit Plus and can be heard on 1130 WDFN-AM.

Oakland tennis team notches first victory of the season The Oakland women’s tennis team (1-8) picked up its first win of the season, beating Youngstown State on Sunday with a final score of 4-3. In a match, one point is awarded to a team for each singles victory and one point is awarded for the overall doubles team victory.

Oakland garnered the doubles point by winning 2-1. While the Oakland No. 1 doubles team of senior Caitlin Young and freshman Brittany Baxter fell in the first doubles match, the rest of the team rallied for the point. The No. 2 team of sophomore Grace Keating and senior Demi Georgakopoulos won their match and the No. 3 team won by default. Baxter was the only player who managed to win her singles match, but it was just enough to secure the victory. Oakland continues its season on March 17 with a home match against the University of Detroit-Mercy. The time and location of this event has yet to be determined.

Oakland baseball comes close against No. 24 Louisville The Oakland baseball team (0-4) had a strong showing on Sunday, falling 6-3 to No. 24 Louisville. While the game marked the fourth straight loss for the Grizzlies, it showed Oakland’s ability to compete with some of the top competition in the country. The Grizzlies fell early, allowing the Cardinals six runs on eight hits, in only the first two innings.

However, after the shaky start, sophomore starter Hayden Fox settled down and struck out five batters, allowing just two hits and no runs after the second inning. Junior reliever Russell Luxton worked the rest of the game, only giving up one hit in a scoreless 3.1 innings. On the offensive side, the Grizzlies were led by junior Mike Carson. Carson went 2-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Senior Tim Ryan also went 2-4 with a double and a run scored. Senior Aaron Cieslak hit a home run in the eighth inning, marking the first time an Oakland player has hit one over the fence this season. The matchup was the finale of a three game weekend series in the Bluegrass State. In all of the games, Oakland rallied to within three runs, an impressive feat against a Top 25 team. The Grizzlies continue their season by heading to the Queen City this weekend for a four-game series with the University of Cincinnati. Contact Timothy Pontzer via email at trpontze@oakland.edu and follow him on Twitter @timothy_pontzer

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February 29, 2012 // The Oakland Post

9/21/11 2:11:51 PM

www.oaklandpostonline.com

Local

SARAH HUNTON/The Oakland Post

LEFT: The Baldwin Center was created as an outreach program of the Baldwin Avenue United Methodist Church as a result of increasing poverty in the neighborhood. TOP: The Baldwin Center soup kitchen serves over 60,000 meals a year to people in need in the community. BOTTOM: Over spring break, Notre Dame students volunteered at the center, including in the game room.

Building a better Baldwin Center in Pontiac has been offering human service programs since 1981 By Sarah Hunton Senior Reporter

he Baldwin Center, located in Pontiac, serves members of the community, from the homeless that come to eat at the center, to the volunteers who serve the meals. The center offers a variety of services, including a soup kitchen, a clothes closet and educational services for youth and adults. According to Alex Plum, community affairs coordinator at the Baldwin Center, the center’s mission to feed, clothe, educate and empower is the cornerstone of everything that they do, but it is done in the context of building relationships. “With the economy the way it is, we’re seeing a lot more people coming in with basic needs, but the common theme is this need for connection, this need for relationships,” Plum said. “There are the people who need those physical needs and the volunteers who need that connection. They feel em-

www.oaklandpostonline.com

powered just like our clients will.”

The mission: feed, clothe, educate and empower The soup kitchen, which serves over 60,000 meals a year, provides a hot meal every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Tuesdays and Thursdays a dinner is served from 5 to 6 p.m. Debra Szczecinski has been attending the soup kitchen sporadically since the center’s 1981 beginning. She uses the soup kitchen to help stretch the food stamps she receives. “They do what they can,” she said. “They don’t have to do this. We appreciate that.” The Clothing Closet at the Baldwin Center is where over 13,000 people a year choose clothing. Patricia Stevens has been the director of the Clothing Closet for 16 years. One of her most memorable stories is the story of a woman whose house had been burned down. The center helped her get back on her feet and within

two weeks she was volunteering at the center. “Stories like that I love,” Stevens said. “Seeing people trying to better themselves and move on where they’re doing better.” The center also educates both youth and adults. They offer an after school program for students K-8. For those who have not finished high school, the center also has a GED preparation program. “We’re not here to sign people up for the program,” Herman Proby, director of adult and family education at the center, said. “We’re here to help people actually get their GED.” Once students are enrolled in this program, the center pays the $175 fee for the GED test.

The center and Oakland The Baldwin Center and Oakland University are constantly working together. Many of the programs that OU is a part of include the youth educational programs.

Professor Tanya Christ established a reading program at the center. Here, OU students come and read to Baldwin Center students and help them with their reading skills. In addition to the educational programs, OU has developed and implemented a health and wellness program at the center called C.A.T.C.H. The program is a “participative fitness program” meaning that once players are “out” of the game, they must go on to do something else that is active, like push-ups, and then return to the game. Lisa Machesky, who received her MBA from OU, has been the executive director of the Baldwin Center for three and a half years. She is proud of the relationship between the center and OU. “We’re expanding at a time where a lot of non-profits are cutting their services, at a lot of that is because of all the Oakland University programming,” she said. Contact senior reporter Sarah Hunton via email at sjhunton@oakland.edu The Oakland Post // February 29, 2012

Local

Creating serenity in downtown Auburn Hills Serenity Salon offers variety of beauty services

Economic update

TIFFANY JONES/The Oakland Post

Serenity Salon in downtown Auburn Hills offers a wide variety of services and discounts.

nett said. “Employees who have left moved out of state, and some like Roger, Master Stylist, came back after a short move to Florida.” Serenity offers discounts for students and is proud to accept the Oakland University Go Card. They also offer their own incentive, Club S, a program available for students from elementary through college that offers special pricing with the presentation of a student ID.

Firefighter themed obstacle course coming to Michigan By Roseann Stricker Staff Intern

ero Rush, the firefighter-themed obstacle course and experience, is coming to Calhoun County Fairgrounds in Marshall, Michigan on June 2. The 5k race is packed with obstacles aimed to give people a glimpse into the life of a firefighter. Every quarter mile of the race runners are met with an obstacle such as climbing ladders, sliding down poles, busting through windows and doors, navigating dark tunnels, carrying stretchers and many others. Local firefighters think this

16 February 29, 2012 //

The Oakland Post

Restaurant week in downtown Rochester

The Downtown Rochester Restaurant Week kicked off Monday, Feb. 27 and runs through Sunday, March 4. During Restaurant Week, participating restaurants will offer a variety of special lunch promotions and a prix fixe menu for dinner (three courses for $20 or $30). Lunch will be served daily until 4 p.m. and dinner will be served from 4 p.m. to close. Participating restaurants include Main Street Deli and Penny Black. Menus for participating restaurants can be seen on the official Restaurant Week webpage at bit.ly/yqkNxq

By Tiffany Jones Staff Intern

erenity Hair Salon, located in downtown Auburn Hills, is not just another salon. It is a place where clients are known by name, not by appointment. Owners, Robin Burnett and Brandon Rankin worked side by side for nine years before taking a plunge into a down economy in 2006. “Everyone thought we were crazy to open a salon in a down economy, but everything led us to this direction,” Burnett said. “We wanted to go back to the meat and potatoes of the business — hair and nails.” Beating the odds of the economy, Serenity Salon has raised the bar in the last six years with the help of trendy, professional and loyal staff. Walls of taupe and burgundy, warm lighting and coffee bar create a total client experience. “We were the contractors. We built this on our own,” Burnett said. “For the first three months, it was just the two of us running the Salon.” Serenity Salon is a close knit team, a salon where everyone knows your name. “We have a great team here of 16 employees, I am proud of all of them,” Bur-

LOCAL BRIEFS

event will be beneficial to the community. “Any activity with motivators is good for people,” John Diehr, captain at the Charter Township of Oakland Fire Department, said. In addition to Hero Rush raising money for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which honors firefighters killed on 9/11, a local fire-related charity will receive the proceeds from the kid’s firefighter adventure course. Each event includes an Inferno midway which is open to the community and includes food and beverage vendors, music and more.

The Serenity Salon is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Serenity also offers a variety of speciality services like Shellac polish. For a full list of services, pricing and employment opportunities visit www.serenity-hair-salon.com Contact staff intern Tiffany Jones via email at tsjones2@oakland.edu This is the first year Hero Rush events are taking place. Eleven events across the country are scheduled for 2012. Anyone over the age of 14 with parental permission may participate. “These events are perfect for everyone, from experienced runners looking for a new challenge, to teenagers and college students, to people of all ages who just want to get out and get active,” Christoper Hebert, co-founder of Hero Rush, said. For families, there are kid’s races and activities, as well as an opportunity to see demonstrations by local fire departments. Registration is open until May 18. To receive 10 percent off the registration fee, use discount code OaklandPost. For more information, visit herorush.com/events/michigan Contact staff intern Roseann Stricker via email at rmstrick@oakland.edu

The Athena Group will be presenting an economic update February 29 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Rochester Community House. Topics covered will include the year in review, emerging trends, topical planning issues and changing tax landscape. To RSVP call 248-453-5252

OPC hosts $6 fundraiser

The Old Persons Commission Art Department is holding a fundraiser open to the public. The fundraiser will offer quality products at factory direct prices and values up to 80 percent below retail value. All items, including scarves, ties, sunglasses, reading glasses, jewelry, purses, belts and wallets, are priced at $6. The fundraiser is free, open to the public and will be held March 1 to 2 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday March 3 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 650 Letica Dr., Rochester, Mich.

Mom to Mom sale

A mom to mom sale will be held at Crittenton Hospital Saturday, March 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Vendors will be selling gently used baby and children’s clothes and toys. Admission is $1. The organization is currently looking for vendors to reserve tables to sell. $20 for 8 inch tables. Compiled by Ali Armstrong, Local Editor

www.oaklandpostonline.com

Life

A doctors drive for life

Provost Moudgil shares his love for his work, inside and outside of the lab Scholarships

MEGAN SEMERAZ/The Oakland Post Provost Virinder Moudgil builds lasting relationships with his students by offering help and his wealth of knowledge. Moudgil goes over results in his lab with student Amelita Sanchez (LEFT) and Master’s student Amy Siebert (RIGHT).

By Megan Semeraz Managing Editor

hen Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Virinder Moudgil leaves his Wilson Hall office at 5:30 p.m. each day, his work at Oakland University is far from over. Across the campus in a Dodge Hall lab, three students are waiting for him to arrive so they can continue their research on steroid hormone action as it relates to breast cancer.

Arriving at Oakland Since arriving at OU in 1976, Moudgil has been investigating the mode of action of steroid hormones. Since the early 1990s, the research has become more focused on examining the action of steroid hormones on breast cancer cells grown in culture.

“If you don’t have passion for what you are doing, you cannot pretend to do it day after day.” Virinder Moudgil Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs “We examine what are the chemicals that allow or promote cancer growth and adversely — what are the chemicals that can help us stop it,” Moudgil said. “Once we have a better knowledge of this, we can take this idea from bench to bedside ... which means whatever you do at a bench in the labowww.oaklandpostonline.com

ratory should have some meaning bedside to a patient.” Moudgil received his Master’s degree and doctorate from Banaras Hindu University in India and completed a three-year program in hormone action at the Mayo Clinic. Immediately, he wanted to begin his own research. “That (the Mayo Clinic) exposed me to two very prestigious institutions in which I was given the opportunity to be (a) faculty member or have a higher level of association than I was before, but no independence,” Moudgil said. “I said ‘I don’t need that, I want to have my own little shop.’” The third position Moudgil was offered was at OU, which he had never heard of before. “The moment I stepped here, I loved this place — the trees, the lawn ... so this was the number one attraction before I even went into the laboratory.” Moudgil said. “... They told me I will have my own laboratory, I will not be working for someone else and I can teach my own courses. I said ‘this is it, this is all I need.’”

A lasting impact The students that Moudgil works with in his lab sometimes commit years of their time toward the effort. His relationships with his students continue after their time in the lab is complete, which he said is his biggest accomplishment. “I consider myself very lucky to be working with Dr. Moudgil, I couldn’t

imagine a better mentor. He’s set the bar pretty high as far as the amount of time (he spends at the Provost Office and in the lab),” Amy Siebert, a master’s student working in Moudgil’s lab, said. Amelita Sanchez, a Ph.D. biochemistry molecular endocrinology major, and Siebert both spend countless hours working in the lab — often times right along side Moudgil. “It’s a privilege and an honor (to be working with him). He puts in an enormous amount of time,” Sanchez said. “Every evening we meet with him to discuss (what goes on in the lab).” Though Moudgil spends much of his time on campus — arriving on campus early in the morning and leaving sometimes after 10 p.m. — he still tries to make time for things he enjoys. “His (Moudgil’s) integrity and work ethics are unmatched,” Dru Doran, senior executive secretary to the provost, said. “He is just totally devoted to working at OU ... I’ve never seen anyone work (so hard).”

Interests beyond the lab “The power of pen is very strong; even though I am a scientist, my interest is in literature. My bedtime reading is not science — it is history, literature, poetry, things like that,” Moudgil said. In the little free time he has, Moudgil enjoys reading. He has also written his own material. In the past, he has written plays and music — which he used to perform. He

Moudgil is passionate about working with his students and having a lifelong association with them. To bring forth more passion into his job in the provost office, Modugil has set up scholarships. “I started (the) Provost Undergraduate Scholarship Program (and the) Provost Graduate Student Scholarship Program, so they can apply to get money to do research which was nonexistent before.” There were scholarships already in place, but they only offered about $400 and were limited to two or three students. With the new scholarships, the number of students who can receive them is unlimited. “I fund everyone who applies and can qualify. I don’t select them, there’s a team ... I don’t pick favorites ... this is our way to saying we want to allow a very distinct experience for Oakland students.” The scholarships are not only for science majors. Students can be majoring in anything from sociology to music, theater and dance. It is open to everyone. For more information on how to apply, visit http://bit.ly/w5D2XH or http://bit.ly/AlufUO

spent 21 years in a local singing group made up of other professionals. “We formed a music a group and we would practice in each other’s home by rotation, so if they were coming to your home — you provide the snacks,” he said. The group performed two concerts a year, but by the year 2000, the group went their separate ways. “I loved that, because those efforts allowed me to use my music interests, my poetry, my knowledge of history ... when you’re in that position, you have the mic, you can say whatever you want.” Throughout his entire career, passion has been key. “If you don’t have passion for what you are doing, you cannot pretend to do it day after day.”

Contact managing editor Megan Semeraz via email at mcsemera@oakland.edu or follow her. Follow her on Twitter @MeganSemeraz The Oakland Post // February 29, 2012

Life

Prepping for the performance On Feb. 28 special lecturer of music and dance Bret Hoag invited guests to attend his classical guitar ensembles performance free of charge. Held in the Varner Recital Hall, the hour long performance was made up of a collection of pieces ranging different classical genres and musical periods. Before the concert, sophomore Kyle Marker and junior Mark Chandler warmed up together back stage. “Playing music with others isn’t always an option, so it’s a nice opportunity,” Marker said. Marker performed Fernando Sor’s Variations on a Theme of Mozart.

Guitar and vocal fall in harmony Together, freshman Lauren Wilson and vocalist Allison Vernon performed pieces by Fernando Sor and John Dowland. Wilson also performed a solo piece.

Students string together classic melodies Experience, expertise and technique Suite for Lute No. 3 by J.S. Bach was senior Michael Latcha’s choice for the recital. “Bach is probably the hardest thing I’ve ever learned. And playing it memorized is very difficult,” he said. Latcha has been playing guitar for 15 years. He will be playing the Metro Times Blowout March 2 with his band, Electric Lion Sound Wave Experiment. Latcha said people tend to not realize the range and amount of music that classical guitar can reach, but there is a wide range of techniques, he said.

Classical guitar majors perform solo pieces at Varner Recital Hall. Professor and director Bret Hoag celebrates his students determination and success. Written and photographed by Stephanie Sokol / Staff Intern

Solo performance, group growth Freshman Lauren Wilson enjoys performing with her fellow students. “I enjoy our guitar ensemble concerts because it shows the culmination of everyone’s work throughout the semester — it’s nice to see how well everyone has progressed,” she said. For her solo performance, Wilson chose Songe Capricorne, written by Roland Dyens.

February 29, 2012 // The Oakland Post

Mounting progress made Hoag is very impressed with the progress his students have made. “Every year the group gets stronger and better,” he said. Haog stressed the importance of music as a form of communication. “Music is important because it allows people to say what can’t be expressed in words,” he said. To learn more about Oakland University’s music ensembles, visit www.oakland.edu/music

www.oaklandpostonline.com

Life

Dancing with honors Professor and instructor spreads passion for dance

By Sarah Blanchette Staff Intern

ance professor Laurie Eisenhower has been offering her dance expertise to students at Oakland University for the past 21

years. Eisenhower’s dance career, which began at age 17, has taken her to New York and California, where she spent time with various companies and other dance professionals, including the Pilobolus Dance Theatre, David Parsons, Chen and Dancers, Harry Streep III, and Mel Wong. She received both her bachelor and master degrees in dance from Arizona State University. “I’ve always been a mover ... (I) was cartwheeling almost as soon as I could walk,” Eisenhower said. “I think I was attracted to dance because it … allowed me to perform and express myself.” In 1991, Eisenhower founded the Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, which is known worldwide. She serves as the artistic director for the ensemble. Eisenhower’s love of teaching has not only been seen at OU and EDE, but in Detroit’s Harbinger Dance Company and BalletMet Columbus. She has been in charge of directing and choreographing numerous performances with these companies and ensembles. “I enjoy sharing my passion for dance with others — teaching is a give/ take activity,” she said. “You learn as much from the students as they learn

from you … To me, life is all about learning.” Freshman and dance major Brett Wotherspoon hails Eisenhower as being “enthusiastic” and said that her “passion (for dance) beams through her.” Eisenhower has received numerous awards and grants, which include the Wanda Turk Choreography Award, Faculty Excellence Award, three Creative Artists grants from state arts foundaLaurie Eisenhower, tions, Women Dance Professor in Art Award for Choreography, Michigan Dance Association Choreographers Festival Award, a Travis Professorship, Faculty Recognition Award, Outstanding Michigan Artist Award and 20 faculty research grants. “As a teacher, choreographer and artistic director, the moments in the dance studio that keep me coming back are a heartfelt performance, a nuanced gesture, and a sincere connection between the dancers,” Eisenhower

said. “… I seek honesty in gesture, honesty in physicality and honesty in expression.”

“I ENJOY SHARING MY PASSION FOR DANCE WITH OTHERS; TEACHING IS A GIVE AND TAKE ACTIVITY — YOU LEARN AS MUCH FROM THE STUDENTS AS THEY LEARN FROM YOU.” Laurie Eisenhower, Dance Professor She is always searching for inspiration in order to create performances that will motivate herself and, in turn, cause the audience to enjoy the performance as much as she does. In order to grow as an artist, Eisenhower believes that finding new methods and approaches to choreography is essential. “Work hard, believe in yourself, embrace change,” Eisenhower said. For information on the OU dance program or Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, contact Laurie Eisenhoer at eisenhow@oakland.edu Contact staff intern Sarah Blanchette via email at scblanch@oakland.edu

Now Accepting……….. Applications and Nominations for: Student Liaison to the Oakland University Board of Trustees The role of the Student Liaison to the Board of Trustees is to serve as a non-voting resource on all student issues at monthly meetings of the Board.

Term of Office: • July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 or 2014 • Must have at least a 2.5 GPA • Must have earned 56 undergraduate or 18 graduate credit hours (of which 28 are at Oakland University) • Must not hold any other major elected campus office

Applications are available at: http://www.oakland.edu/bot Student Affairs Office – 144 Oakland Center Student Congress Office – 62 Oakland Center Center for Student Activities – 49 Oakland Center

Applications are due in the Student Affairs Office by March 31, 2011 For questions, please call: 248-370-4200

www.oaklandpostonline.com

The Oakland Post // February 29, 2012

Mouthing Off

The views expressed in Mouthing Off do not necessarily represent those of The Oakland Post.

SATIRE

Sounds like the 15 minutes of fame are running out By Brian Figurski Multimedia Reporter

“I’m a creep, I’m a weirdo, what the hell am I doing here, I don’t belong here,” Radiohead – Creep I could probably stop writing at this point and be perfectly content with getting my point across (thanks, epigraph!) Other people could have done the exact same thing and suffered less harmful consequences instead of basking in the glory of infamy’s 15 minutes. No names will be used specifically here, but feel free to reference The Oakland Post’s “Suspended student disputes disciplinary action” article and scroll through the sprawling 150-plus irate comments to find the target. In case you weren’t aware, I am a male and have a penis, but somehow I know what type of behavior is appropriate for certain situations (most of the time.) I have a pretty good idea of when to keep my sexual yearnings silent. Why there are people on this planet who don’t have that natural brain filter is beyond my comprehension. My jokes are often overly descriptive, ooze with subtle seduction and are a genuine turn-off for all, but I know where to draw the line. If you don’t give your sexual prowess a rest, you can start getting hot for jail time. I’m all for the freedom of speech. I believe you should be able to write down whatever you please, so long as it’s not threatening the livelihood of anyone. The passages in question, while exceptionally creepy, did not explicitly threaten anyone. This student was banned from campus for their chronic, unlawful activities of intimidation, causing awkward tension in students and staff. A diary entry brimming with lewd text doesn’t exactly help earn the trust of your surrounding females. The student who penned the journal also happens to be married, and has been for 30 years. From what I’ve come to surmise on my years on Earth, you don’t want your significant other exposed to the thoughts in your brain in pre-

February 29, 2012 // The Oakland Post

GOt something

TO MOUTH OFF about?

cise, vulgar details. That’s when you start getting kitchen utensils thrown at you and start sleeping on the couch. A student writes about his tentpitching skills for his teacher, she takes utter offense for obvious The Oakland Post is looking for satirical scribes, witty writers and comical reasons and this calamity ensues. Spring Open columnists. Submit your1best efforts House 5.5 x 8.5_Layout 1/23/12 4:30 to PMeditor@oaklandpostonline.com Page 5 For someone to not be empaand you could get published for the world to see. thetic to another’s feelings shows a complete lack of morality and understanding. Not thinking with your head, or not the correct one for thought process, at least. Many people have declined to cooley.edu use their real identities when commenting in fear that someone will come after them, but as a person who loudly boasts their opinion, to not let someone’s rebuttal share a similar platform would be hypocritical. My name is Brian Figurski and I do believe you are a creep with a lack of filter. Investing in one would be wise. Tick tick tick. Sounds like the 15 minutes are up.

Friday, March 2

TAMPA BAY, FL New Campus!

Monday, March 5

GRAND RAPIDS, MI

Tuesday, March 6

LANSING, MI

Cooley Open Houses In March Now Five Campus Locations! Join us in March, from 4-7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 7

ANN ARBOR, MI

Thursday, March 8 AUBURN HILLS, MI

DAYANA, COOLEY STUDENT

Attend a Cooley Law School Open House in March and talk to Cooley administrators, department representatives, students, and faculty members from all five of our campuses, including our newest campus in Tampa Bay, Florida. They will be available to answer your questions about Cooley Law School, applying to and attending law school, and entering the legal profession. Register online for one or all five Open Houses in March at cooley.edu or register onsite the day of the open house.You are encouraged to visit more than one campus. Learn about Cooley Law School at cooley.edu Thomas M. Cooley Law School is committed to a fair and objective admissions policy. Subject to space limitations, Cooley offers the opportunity for legal education to all qualified applicants. Cooley abides by all federal and state laws against discrimination. In addition, Cooley abides by American Bar Association Standard 211(a), which provides that “a law school shall foster and maintain equality of opportunity in legal education, including employment of faculty and staff, without discrimination or segregation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.”

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